Wings’ Paige Bueckers Joins NBA ROTY Before Mavericks-Spurs Matchup
In a historic achievement, Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs have become the first athletes from the same college to be named NBA and WNBA Rookie of the Year in the same season. Both players honed their skills at the University of Connecticut (UConn), a prestigious program known for its strong basketball tradition.
Highlights of Their College Careers
- Paige Bueckers: Spent five years at UConn, winning a championship during her senior year and earning National Player of the Year honors as a freshman.
- Stephon Castle: A one-and-done player who led UConn to a national championship in his only season at the school.
As the Spurs prepare to kick off their season against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, they held a surprise photoshoot to celebrate the dual Rookie of the Year title. Bueckers and Castle took part in the photoshoot, emphasizing their friendship formed during their time at UConn.
A Unique Friendship
In a video shared by the Spurs on social media, Bueckers expressed her admiration for Castle. She noted, “He’s a pretty chill dude. We became close during our year together at UConn.” The duo’s shared experiences and mutual support helped them navigate the pressures of their rookie seasons.
Rookie Season Performance
- Paige Bueckers: Averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. She was named a starter in the All-Star Game and made the All-WNBA Second Team, despite her team finishing with a record of 10-34.
- Stephon Castle: Averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Expected to take on a larger role this season with De’Aaron Fox sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights the individual talents of Bueckers and Castle but also showcases the strong foundation of the UConn basketball program. Their success is a testament to their hard work and determination in a highly competitive landscape.
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